Ribbon supply unit



Feb. 4, 1969 J. R. FULD 3,425,531

RIBBON SUPPLY UNIT Filed Dec. 1. 1965 IN VEN TOR. JEROME k. Facp AGE/v7 United States Patent 3,425,531 RIBBON SUPPLY UNIT Jerome R. Fuld, Trumbull, Conn., assignor to Sperry Rand Corporation, New York, N.Y., a corporation of Delaware Filed Dec. 1, 1965, Ser. No. 510,887 US. Cl. 197-151 1 Claim Int. Cl. B41j 31/12; Gllb /32; G03b 1/04 ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates in general to a ribbon supply unit and more particularly to a cartridge assembly for office machine ribbons or the like.

Throughout the many diverse industries of today, there is widespread application of supply units having as a principal function the provision of a similar web or ribbon like material. Generally, the ribbon supply unit is ancillary equipment for providing ribbon which carries or transfers information upon demand. The ribbon may have archival value and be stored indefinitely for repeated use, such as a strip of film or recording tape. On the other hand, the nature of the ribbon supplied may be such that it is expendable, e.g., a fabric or carbon ribbon for an oflice machine. Regardless of application and the particular type of ribbon that is involved, in many instances it is desirable to keep at a minimum the necessity of operator handling of the ribbon during insertion into its associated working environment and/or during removal therefrom. 'For example, in the case of inked typewriter ribbon, handling by an operator causes transfer of the ink to the operators fingers and the possibility arises of subsequent unsightly smudges appearing on finished worksheets dun'ng manipulation thereof. When film strips are concerned, inadvertent handling can result in detrimental marks, such as a marred surface or fingerprints, which appear as images during projection of the information carried by the strip.

Another facit of many modern day machines which employ ribbon supply units, is the trend toward economically manufactured one-time ribbon supply containers. Further, in many printing machines using inked ribbon for a transfer medium it has been found to be desirable to go one step further and discard the entire ribbon supply unit upon depletion of the ribbon transfer capacity, rather than repeatedly inserting a fresh ribbon and/or container into the unit. This throwaway feature obviates ribbon handling by the operator, and eliminates a time consuming rethreading step. For exemplary purposes, the following description is directed to an inked ribbon supply unit of this type adapted to transfer images at a printing station. However, the prevalent problems and their associated solutions are not confined to that specific type of unit.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a novel ribbon supply unit.

Another object is to provide an economical ribbon supply unit adapted to facilitate and simplify the manipulation thereof while minimizing contact with the ribbon during insertion of the unit into associated apparatus.

A further object is to provide a unitary cartridge assembly for typewriter ribbon or the like wherein communication of the ribbon between egress and ingress apertures ice is not interrupted during manipulation of the cartridge from an operative to an inoperative condition and vice versa.

Still another object is to provide a ribbon supply unit wherein the ribbon may be disposed in operative relationship With associated apparatus without necessitating handling of the ribbon and wherein the ribbon supply unit further lends itself to operation as either an integral container having supply and take-up chambers or two separate containers with independently operative supply and take-up chambers.

According to the present invention a ribbon supply unit is provided having a pair of interconnected containers adapted to permit ribbon to pass from one container to the other. More specifically, in one embodiment, each container defines an enclosed chamber, one formed to receive a supply spool for typewriter ribbon, or the like, and the other to receive a take-up spool. The containers are provided with apertures through which communication of the ribbon between the chambers is effected. Where reference herein is made to supply and take-up spools, it should be understood that they may be complementary to the extent that is common in the art, i.e., when the ribbon is expended in one direction the function of the spools is interchanged.

A principal feature of the unit is the unique adjusting means interrelated with both containers for alternatively arranging the chambers in a fixed operative position and a stacked nonoperative position. In the operative position, the containers are juxtaposed with their apertures arranged for egress and ingress of the ribbon in a manner convenient for cooperation with associate-d printing ap paratus. Alternatively, by simple manipulation of the containers the unit is readily disposed in its inoperative condition. In this position the containers (and necessarily the spools) are superposed in a compact arrangement without disrupting the communication of the ribbon between the chambers.

The particular adjusting means, explained in detail hereinafter, is characterized by cooperating hinge members including a rod altered to and extending from one container for registration with a suitable socket in the other container. During manipulation from the operative to the inoperative condition it is necessary to first translate one container relative to the other container in the direction of the rod axis to an interjacent position, and then to effect relative rotation about the rod axis. The interjacent position is such that the containers are free to rotate to a superposed position yielding a compact unit for packaging or storage in a box or carton. This relative positioning of the containers is referred to as the inoperative condition of the unit. It will become evident that the above explained manipulations will not require the operator to come in contact with the portion of exposed ribbon due to the novel structure of subject supply unit. It should also be noted that when the containers are connected to effect the operative condition of the unit, depending upon the particular use involved, a minimum or no handling of the ribbon is-necessary. For example, referring to the mentioned embodiment, when inserting the unit into a typewriter the ribbon may first be located between the guide arms of a top-feed vibrator by manipulation of the containers connected in the operative position. To complete the insertion, the operator merely aligns and seats the unit, through aid of integral locating means, in a mounting assembly on the typewriter. The ribbon is then taughtened by rotating the take-up spool as required.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter from a consideration of the detailed description which follows, in conjunction with the accompanying sheet of drawing wherein one principal embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example.

In the drawing wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view showing applicants novel supply unit with the containers in operative position and disposed adjacent typical associated printing apparatus which is shown diagrammatically;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of applicants novel supply unit with the containers disposed in an interjacent position, and showing a supply spool through a cutaway portion of one container;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4- is a perspective view showing a portion of an associated mounting platform and drive pin assembly;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic illustration in perspective of the device during manipulation of the containers of subject unit from its operative to its inoperative condition;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the subject supply unit with the containers in their nonoperative position; and

FIG. 7 is an elevational view from the left side of the unit as shown in FIG. 6.

Referring now to the drawing for a detailed description of the present invention, and more specifically to FIG. 1, the subject supply unit is shown being utilized for supplying typewriter ribbon to a printing station. A more detailed description of the diagrammatically illustrated printing apparatus is set forth in the below explanation of operation. The apparatus shown relates to a single element type printing machine. The nature of a single element type machine is such that the subject supply unit is especially adapted for use therewith by virtue of its unitary structure facilitating harmonious motion with the printing apparatus with respect to the information receiving media. Thus, a single element machine is best suited to illustrate the functional environment of subject supply unit.

For the purpose of describing the assembly illustrated by the drawing, reference numeral 10 generally designates a preferred embodiment of subject ribbon supply unit. The assembly 10 further comprises a pair of substantially fiat containers 11 and 12, a mounting platform 13 (shown in phantom outline in FIG. 1) for receiving the containers 11, 12, and intermediate connection means integral with the containers 11, 12 for interconnecting the containers 11, 12. More specifically, the connection means comprise, a rod 14 extending from container 12 and a pair of shoulders 15 defining a socket in container 11 for receiving the rod 14. Further, the containers 11, 12 each include a base 16, a similarly shaped top 17, and a continuous side wall 20, extending between the adjacent outer edges of top 17 and base 16 to form the cylindrically shaped containers 11, 12 shown.

Now referring to FIG. 2, the cutaway portion shows a conventional typewriter ribbon spool 21 encased in container 11 for storing ribbon 22. The spool 21 includes a ribbon receiving barrel (not shown) disposed between a pair of disc shaped opposing end flanges 23 and 24. A similar spool 21 is encased in container 12 to provide the complementary function for the ribbon 22 which communicates between the containers 11, 12 through appropriate apertures (not shown). One spool 21 issues the ribbon 22, while its counterpart takes up the issued ribbon 22 depending upon the ribbon disposition, therefore, each particular spool 21 functions alternatively as a supply and take-up spool. The spools 21 are also provided with an end disc 25 attached to the surface of end flange 23. Registration between the discs 25 and appropriate apertures in the bases 16 of the associated containers 11, 12 effectively provides an appropriate axial journal for each spool 21 in its respective container 11, 12, thereby making spool rotation possible. The sectional view of FIG. 3 shows the relationship of spool 21 and the inner walls of container 11 to illustrate that there is suflicient clearance therebetween to permit rotation of spool 21 with a minimal clearance, whereby end disc 25 is retained in journalled relationship with the aperture in base 16.

The actual construction of the subject unit 10 can be by any convenient method. The containers 11 and 12, for example, can be construed of unitary plastic formed around the spools 21 to yield a transparent nonaccessible unit 10, or conversely the containers 11, 12 can be construed to render access to the chambers for replacement of the spools 21. The latter type includes a removable top cap member frictionally interfitting in a recessed portion of the side walls. Although the top cap is not a prerequisite it is desirable in that it keeps the stored ribbon 22 clean. A type similar to this is illustrated in the drawing.

The mounting platform 13, shown in phantom in FIG. 1, is partially shown in FIG. 4, along with a pin drive arrangement for driving the supply and take-up spools 21 within containers 11 and 12, respectively. The pin drive arrangement comprises amounting shaft 26, and a drive pin 27 integral with driven disc 30. Each spool 21 when mounted on the platform 13, registers at its hub with mounting shaft 26 and guides the driven pin 27 for registration with any one of the spaced receiving apertures 31 in disc 25. The driven discs 30 are coupled to drive means (not shown) adapted to drive the take-up spool 21 and the supply spool 21 in a synchronized manner in accordance with the demand for ribbon 22 at a printing station and the disposition of the exhausted web. In those instances where the issued ribbon 22 is reused, the take-up spool 21 and the supply spool 21 provide the above mentioned converse function and the direction of drive is reversed. In other instances only the take-up spool 21 is driven while the supply spool 21 is idled with sufiicient frictional drag to provide ribbon tension.

Again referring to FIG. 1, the rod 14 is shown in relationship with container 11 as it performs its integral connecting function. It should also be mentioned in passing that rod 14 facilitates location of unit 10 during alignment with platform 13. To this end, aperture 32 (see FIG. 4) is provided in platform 13 to cooperate with the rod 14. Shoulders 15 extending from and integral with container 11 define a socket for cooperation with rod 14. The end surfaces of shoulders 15 are adapted to engage container 12, as shown, to prevent relative rotation between the containers 11 and 12, when disposed in the illustrated operative position. Engagement between rod 14 and the socket in container 11 is of a frictional nature and effected by providing a rod and socket having relatively smooth surfaces and equally dimensioned diameters. Translation of container 11 from the phantom position 33 shown in FIG. 2 (which corresponds to the operative position of FIG. 1) to the interjacent position shown by the solid lines of FIG. 2 is accomplished simply by urging one container with respect to the other with a minimum amount of force in the direction of the rod axis.

It can now be appreciated that, in view of the FIG. 2 arrangement, an operator merely needs to apply a moment about the rod axis (see FIG. 5) to rotate the containers 11, 12 to the nonoperative superposed position shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. For exemplary purposes, the fingers of an operators hands are illustrated in phantom outline at FIG. 5. By retaining container 12 between the fingers 34 of his right hand the rod 14 is fixed enabling rotation in a counterclockwise direction of container 11 thereabout, see direction arrow 35. The snug cooperation of rod 14 and the socket formed by shoulders 15 prevents the containers 11, 12 from becoming disengaged during rotation or subsequent nonoperative superposed disposition. Ribbon 22 remains clear during this manipulation and free to take the position adjacent the containers 11, 12 shown in FIG. 6, where the containers 11, 12 are shown superpositioned with the spools 21 coaxial and side walls 20 coplanar.

The end elevational view of the nonoperative position of the unit 10 shown in FIG. 7, shows ribbon 22 disposed diagonally between container 11 and container 12. Thus, a minimum amount of space is required during nonuse and the ribbon 22 remains in a flat untwisted condition ready for immediate use when the unit is adjusted to its operative condition. It should be noted that the interconnection arrangement lends itself to the obvious reverse steps when adjustment from nonoperative to operative position is desired. Further, if the situation presents itself, it is also obvious that the containers 11, 12 can be conveniently separated for independent mounting by disengaging the rod 14 from the socket.

In opera-tion, subject unit 10 may be adapted for use with any apparatus in which a ribbon 22 is employed for carrying or transferring information. One application is shown at FIG. 1 wherein the ribbon 22 is employed as a transfer media for a single element type printing mechanism. The printing mechanism is shown in diagrammatic form in that the particular type of such apparatus is not a part of subject invention. A print wheel is provided having a plurality of print slugs 36 interconnected in a radial array. The wheel is positioned in spaced relationship adjacent ribbon 22 as it is guided through a print station 37, aided by guide rods 40 and arms 41, mounted near aligning scale 42. Arms 41 may be interconnected via cross member 43 to provide functional elements of a conventional vibrator, although a vibrator is not essential in all single element printing mechanisms. Print wheel hammer 44 completes the printing elements shown. Usually, to effect printing the hammer 44 successively drives rotatively selected slugs 36 against a copy material, such as paper, supported in the print station on a platen (not shown). The wheel and hammer assembly traverses parallel to the axis of the platen, along with the entire ribbon supply assembly and associated guide means, during such print operation.

Many advantages of the present invention have been explicitly and implicitly set forth in the above description, e.g., the simple and economical construction of the unit 10, and the widely diversified use to which the ribbon supply unit 10 may be employed. It should again be emphasized that operator handling of the ribbon 22 is eliminated, or at least kept to a bare minimum, depending on the particular application. To this end, no threading of the ribbon 22 is required with respect to the containers 11, 12 after or before the unit 10 is manipulated to its operative position. The ribbon 22 remains untwisted and continuously in communication between the container chambers even when in the superposed nonoperative position. Further, the nonoperative position is such that a minimum amount of space is required which enhances shipping and storage.

A still further advantage is the adaptability of the unit 10 to facilitate and simplify aligning and insertion thereof as a singular unit into operative position in associated apparatus. But, on the other hand, the subject supply unit 10 does not preclude use as a divisible assembly, by disengaging the containers 11, 12 for mounting as two separate units, with the space-saving, nonoperative position still featured. For example, printing machines having a plurality of print elements in many instances have spool or container mounting means disposed in opposition on the machine frame. The positioning of such mounting means requires separate ribbon containers. 5 What is claimed is:

1. A cartridge assembly for comprising:

a supply spool for storing inked typewriter ribbon,

typewriter a take-up spool for receiving the typewriter ribbon after it has passed through a printing station,

a pair of ICOHIBJHBIS,

each of said containers comprising base and top members of substantially circular configuration and continuous side walls forming a chamber for storing one of said spools, each of said side walls having an aperture formed therein to provide egress of the ribbon from the supply spool and ingress of the ribbon to the take-up spool,

a cylindrical rod rigidly disposed on the side wall of one of said containers with its axis parallel to the axis of said one container, said rod being approximately equal in length to the combined width of said containers,

containers are in said operative position, and

mounting means adjacent the work station for receiving said containers when in said operative position, said mounting means having an opening for receiving the extension of said rod, said mounting means including means for rotating said take-up spool to cause passage of the ribbon through the printing station.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Foster.

ERNEST T. WRIGHT, JR., Primary Examiner.

US. (:1. X.R.

ribbon Ponting et al 242-71.2 Foster 242-55.13 Proctor 42455.13

Ford 242-712 X Foster 242-712 X Doyle 24271.2 X Gray 197151 Holden 197151 

